Professional Development

Leadership Development Academy: Learning Today to LEAD Tomorrow

The National Career Pathways Network is dedicated to serving its members and the career pathways community including strengthening the Career Pathways message to the field. The NCPN Leadership Development Committee provides professional, career, and leadership development to career pathways leaders (career pathways coordinators, CTE directors, occupational deans, workforce development personnel, adult education educators, and counselors) to assist them in contributing to the broader goals of their institutions and the stakeholders they serve. To that end, the NCPN Leadership Development Academy, a year-long professional development program, was created.

Who can participate? You must meet one of the criteria below for participation in the year-long LDA:

Attend a preconference workshop at the NCPN annual conference (your choice of preconference topics) OR

Be a past graduate of the Career Pathways Leadership Certification workshop OR

What is the duration? 12 months, November–October, culminating at the NCPN Conference

How often does the cohort meet? Monthly conference calls; quarterly webinar sessions, and other innovative experiences. All meetings are virtual except for graduation at the NCPN Conference.

What is the cost? $600

The LDA focuses on leadership skills for a Career Pathways System (local, regional, or state) and the four core principles of the CTE Blueprint (see below), the Department of Education's 10 Component Framework for Programs of Study, WIOA legislation, and the Department of Labor's Six Key Elements for Career Pathways.

Advanced Systems (including tools/resources)Alignment. Effective alignment between high-quality CTE programs and labor market needs to equip students with 21st-century skills and prepare them for in-demand occupations in high-growth industry sectors;

Your Leadership Role (positioning systems and yourself for success)Accountability. Meaningful accountability for improving academic outcomes and building technical and employability skills in CTE programs for all students, based upon common definitions and clear metrics for performance; and

Innovation (What does it really mean?)Innovation. Increased emphasis on innovation supported by systemic reform of state policies and practices to support CTE implementation of effective practices at the local level.